The Oyo State Government has sealed a partially collapsed building under reconstruction in the Dugbe area of Ibadan following a severe rainstorm that swept through parts of the city on Sunday night.
The structure, located along the busy Dugbe–Mokola road, suffered significant damage during the downpour, prompting swift action from state authorities to prevent further risk to lives and property.
Oyo State Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, announced the government’s decision during an on-site inspection on Monday. He emphasized that sealing the property was a precautionary measure to ensure public safety and allow for a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the collapse.
“Our immediate priority is to safeguard residents and commuters in the area. We’ve sealed the premises to prevent access and eliminate any further risk while we assess the structural integrity of the building,” Akin-Funmilayo stated.
He revealed that an integrity test would be conducted not only on the affected structure but also on similar buildings across the city as part of a broader government initiative to address potential construction failures.
“The outcome of the tests will determine the next steps. If we find negligence or substandard practices, appropriate sanctions will follow. This incident is a wake-up call to enforce stricter compliance with building standards,” he added.
The commissioner reassured the public that the government is committed to preventing future occurrences through proactive monitoring, rigorous inspections, and enforcement of urban planning regulations.
The collapse, which fortunately did not result in casualties, has reignited concerns over construction safety and regulatory enforcement in rapidly urbanizing areas of Ibadan.
